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Blog Entry 10 of 26 Coach Notes

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~TCRCoach

First meetings leave lasting impressions
Contributed by: Judy Barton   on 7/26/2007

Our communication skills offer our all important, first impressions and hold a lasting impact. What we say and how we say it becomes representative of who we are as our character, qualities and flaws display themselves. Five minutes of conversation is usually enough for us to be assessed, stereotyped and catalogued.

Many people believe that as the speaker we hold status and control, when in fact it is the listener who is empowered. While talking, we are involved in self and our own concepts and images, which limits our vision and scope of learning. The listener gains insight, important information and valuable clues as the one talking provokes thought and ideas.

There is no cure for the common word. Once said, they are imprinted in an indelible substance on our 'Who's who' card. Words are commanding tools and can become powerful weapons. They cannot be retracted or erased, and if used inappropriately can damage the speakers credibility or wound and scar a listener.

Presentation then becomes the critical aspect of communication. How we say what we say is the key to positive, productive and successful results. Our words should create interest, encourage enthusiasm, stimulate or motivate. They should promote a call to action rather than provoke a reaction. Carefully choosing the words that best express our thoughts will offer a positive flow and end result.

Being courteous and conscientious as the listener and speaker is important to successful communication in every aspect of life. We have all experienced the frustration of being interrupted while trying to convey our thoughts. Monopolizing the conversation does not afford us status orcontrol. That type of demonstrative demand for attention merely serves to present a poor imageand discourage a desire for further communication. Conversations are meant to be a dialogue rather than a monologue.

Our ability to communicate well is our greatest asset. It is vital in conveying our wants and needs and when used wisely and appropriately, it is the key to success in any venue. A lack of regard or misuse can create a gross liability. It is to our benefit to keep our skills fine tuned and functioning well so that we do not leave behind a negative impression or worse, a loss of respect and trust.

Following a few simple procedures can make the difference in our communication success.

1- Listen with intent and curiosity
2- Listen from a neutral place without walls and blockers
3- Ask questions for clarity
4- Be courteous and contentious in our conversations
5- Be supportive and understanding of the issues. Relay to the speaker that he is being heard and
his concerns, fears and needs are valid
6- Use the power that comes with your skills wisely and fairly
7- Never close doors or avenues of opportunity and compromise


The Communication Resource
Coach/Mediator/Consultant
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Dating, Relationship, Life Skills & Personal Growth Coach
Business/Executive/Personal Development Coach
Communication for Success Workshops
Family/Workplace Mediator
Nurse
Medical Front Office Skills Instructor
CPR Intructor
Mentor/Tutor
Published Author & Poet
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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Judy Barton has posted 26 blog entries and 0 comments since joining on 2/15/2007. Judy Barton 's average blog rating is 4.8.
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